The furry fandom is a subculture interested in anthropomorphic characters with human personalities and characteristics in works of fiction including books, comics, films, television shows, anime, manga, etc. Although examples of the attribution of human traits to animals can be found in fairy tales and legends, the furry fandom as a pop culture phenomenon emerged only in the 1980s within the science fiction and fantasy fandom. The first standalone furry convention was held in the late 1980s in the USA.
The first furry convention in Sweden was held from March 28-31, 2013 at the Quality Hotel Winn Haninge in Stockholm. It drew about 170 attendees from 15 different countries. In 2016, there were more than 500 attendees, which makes NordicFuzzCOne one of Europe’s largest furry conventions.
The program of NordicFuzzCon is similar to that of other furry conventions. It features traditional events and activities such as an art show, board game tournaments, dances and dance competitions, a fursuit parade, fursuit games, Dealers Den, and more. There are special events too. For example, Eat Sweden is a culinary event aimed to introduce its participants to the best of Swedish cuisine. In 2016, the program of the convention featured an exclusive screening of Zootopia. And in 2017, attendees had an opportunity to visit the famous Skansen Zoo and Cultural Heritage museum.
Another tradition of furry conventions supported by NordicFuzzCon is a charity auction. Proceedings from the auction typically go to organizations that support wildlife or domesticated animals. NordicFuzzCon has supported an animal shelter, a wildlife rescue organization, a dog re-homin society, a hedgehog and squirrel sanctuary, etc.
Each edition of NordicFuzzCon has a specific theme. Past themes have included Vikings vs. Pirates, A Steampunk Murder Mystery, Scandinavian Folklore: The Enchanted Forest, Atlantis: The Lost Paradise, Japan: Samurai or Super Kawaii?
In 2021, the event was held online due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Photo: nordicfuzzcon.org
